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Maybe with the passing time I'll gain reputation
and respect. I desire this particularly strongly,
for myself, for my family, and for my country.
I would like to serve my country sincerely.
Even without living by the Vistula River
I can serve my homeland.


Ignacy Jan Paderewski



EVENTS


NOVEMBER 11, 2006
The Second Annual
Ignacy Jan Paderewski Birthday Commemoration graphic
Over 400 individuals attended the event at the Polish Museum of America. Magdalena Abakanowicz, world renowned Polish artist was presented with MAESTRO AWARD in light of her masterpiece "Agora," the most recent addition to Chicago's prestigious collection of outdoor public sculpture.

"The MAESTRO AWARD is presented for the first time by the Paderewski Association. This award represents acknowledgement of artistic achievement and success in promoting Polish culture. In the spirit of Ignacy Paderewski, who shared his talent and knowledge, whose personality inspired and still inspires, and whose patriotism and incredible humanitarian views define a caliber of which one must be worthy to receive this award. Mrs. Magdalena Abakanowicz is the first ever recipient of this award. She represents artistic excellence at the highest level. Her international recognition and creation of the first original public sculpture by a Polish artist in the Chicago Park District since Tadeusz Kosciuszko by Kazimierz Chodzinski, which was installed in 1904, motivated the Paderewski Association to present Ms. Abakanowicz with this prestigious award."

Andrzej Dajnowski, President of the Paderewski Association

Magdalena Abakanowicz
about Maestro Award:


At first, one may think that the work of Paderewski and Abakanowicz do not have anything in common. Still, the "Maestro Award" can be seen as a mystical bridge that connects two artistic worlds, the world of music and the world of sculpture. This is fascinating. For a composer it is much easier than it is for a sculptor to reach the audience these days. At the time of electronic inventions, one does not need to go to a music hall in order to hear the compositions of a genius. Sometimes it is just enough to buy a CD, turn on the radio or a computer. In the case of sculpture, especially concerning such a large project like Agora, in order to feel the chill of emotions one must literally step inside of it to be right in the middle. Sculpture loses with music in the battle for a receiver. All the more, this particular award, the "Maestro Award," has more meaning to me. (From Expatpol)

Magdalena Abakanowicz - photo by Urszula Lukaszuk
View Magdalena Abakanowicz's
artwork...


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Magdalena Abakanowicz presented with Maestro Award
by Mr. Stanley Boduch. Photo: Urszula Lukaszuk

Marcin Krolicki - the photo of the Maestro Award
"Maestro Award." Photo: Marcin Krolicki


Mr. Jan M. Lorys, the Director of the Polish Museum of
America is placing Magdalena Abakanowicz's award on
the last practicing Paderewski's piano in the Paderewski's
Room. Magdalena Abakanowicz gave first Maestro Award
to the Museum. Photo Urszula Lukaszuk

Photo by Marcin Krolicki - Magdalena Abakanowicz speaking to the public at the Polish museum of America in Chicago
Magdalena Abakanowicz speaking. Photo: Marcin Krolicki



JUNE 18, 2006

Commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the death of Ignacy Jan Paderewski.

One might have thought that Ignacy Jan Paderewski was present at the Polish Museum of America that day. It was not his death, but his life devoted to the service for his nation that was on everybody’s mind. Once more, Polish and Polish-Americans assembled TOGETHER at his side, as if ready to follow his lead. How rare today are leaders able to inspire the true spirit of values! General Edward Rowny, former US Ambassador and Arms Control Negotiator reminded us:
“You should think what you can do better for the country…You should take action… Paderewski will help you from heaven.” In a simple gesture General Rowny pulled out his little harmonica to intone our National Anthem “Jeszcze Polska nie zginela.”
Edward L. Rowny’s beautiful presentation was followed by a piano concert by Alexander Zintchenko. The program included works by Beethoven, Chopin and Paderewski, selected from Paderewski’s own repertoire as a renowned pianist. The rest of the afternoon was devoted to the auction of portraits of Ignacy Paderewski by Polish artists (Voytek Glinkowski, Jerzy Kuzak, Patricia Pierzynska, Malgorzata Tylman, Piotr Wolodkowicz, Ryszard Zielonka) benefiting the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Scholarship Program.

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JUNE 8, 2006
The Polish Museum of America VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCH

Volunteers are an essential part of The Polish Museum of America. They assist the regular Museum staff in their daily work or in completing special projects. This year ZBIGNIEW KOBUS was announced "VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR!" He spent 2,000 hours working in the museum archives.
The Paderewski Association encourages everyone to contribute any amount of time to the Museum. Volunteer positions are available in all departments and areas. For information on how to become a volunteer, please go to the web page:
http://pma.prcua.org/volunteersen.html

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APRIL 28 - 30, 2006
The Paderewski Association at the Polish American Trade Show

The annual Trade Show attracted numerous companies, based both in the U.S. and in Poland, planning to enter, or already serving, Polish-American market. The Paderewski Association presented its vision, goals and range of completed and prospective work to an audience of thousands. From the informational brochures and booklets distributed by the Association, the attending guests and participants had an opportunity to learn about the collection of Polish artifacts and historical treasures at the Polish Museum of America. The Paderewski Association made available to the public materials pertaining to its conservation and restoration program.

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MARCH 24, 2006 - The exhibition of "Old and Modern Polish Temples" by Mr. Jerzy Luzynski at The Polish Museum of America.

"The exhibition Old and Modern Polish Temples offers an insight into the wealth of the Polish National heritage by showing churches of various denominations built within the former and the present borders of Poland. Erected in the course of over a thousand years of Polish history, the temples testify to the tolerance - a concept deeply embedded in our culture - on the continent, whose identity was largely shaped by various religious denominations. The exhibition had its European premiere in the Art Gallery of the London based Polish Cultural Institute in 1998 at the Festival of Cultures of Central European Countries. A year later, during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Poland, the exhibition was shown in Torun, Poland, under the patronage of Mr. Andrzej Zakrzewski, Minister of Culture and Arts."

Author of the Exhibition Jerzy Luzynski

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MARCH, 11 2006
- The "Luxuries Befitting a Maestro" event.
Beautiful works of art and fine antiques were auctioned at the Polish Museum of America. This event received great interest from artists, the media, and the public alike. Over 200 works of art from 60 artists were exhibited for the auction. Seventy items were sold, generating almost $20,000.00, with $15,089.00 being paid to the artists and $4,901 being given for the benefit of The PMA's Conservation Program.

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MARCH 3, 2006
- The Paderewski Association Logo Contest. Thirty-one individuals participated in this contest, submitting 100 logos in total. David Stankiewicz received first place and the $500.00 award.

Logo Entries

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NOVEMBER 12, 2005
- The "145th Paderewski Birthday Celebration".
The inaugural event took place in the Great Hall of The Polish Museum of America. Over 100 individuals attended the dinner fundraiser and over $3,000.00 was raised. The event drew considerable attention from the media.

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JANUARY 2005 - The first meeting of the Paderewski Association,
with over 40 people in attendance.

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